Faculty of Practice/Director of Dance

Wilkes University invites applicants for a Director of Dance position in the Division of Performing Arts. This is a non-tenure track position, which is classified as Faculty of Practice; and is a 9-month, full-time position. The Division offers a BFA in both Musical Theatre and Theatre Design and Technology, and a BA in Theatre Arts, as well as minors in Dance, Theatre, and Music.

The successful candidate will serve undergraduate students minoring in Dance, majoring in Musical Theatre, as well as students from the general population at Wilkes University. Applicants must have an extensive knowledge of a diverse range of dance forms, with a demonstrated expertise in ballet technique. The successful candidate must have substantial experience supporting both beginning and advanced students. Applicants should possess a current and active presence in their professional field, providing our students with relevant knowledge and experience. Applicants should also possess a strong willingness to work in the spirit of collaboration with fellow faculty and staff in the Division while supporting a variety of activities including recruitment, co-curricular theatre productions, and projects related to the dance minor. Potential opportunities are present to choreograph musical theatre productions, and to collaborate with the Wilkes University Conservatory on their annual ballet production.

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Dance or Dance Education (MFA or an MS Ed preferred); or BFA in Dance with significant professional experience will be considered
• Significant experience studying and teaching ballet and at least one other distinct style of dance
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching a diverse range of students with regard to their ability, experience, and background
• Demonstrated commitment to collaboration

Desired Qualifications

• Certification or training in movement fundamental theory or theories (Alexander Technique, Barteneiff Fundamentals, Laban Technique, etc.)
• Experience and interest in choreography for musical theatre productions
• Experience and interest in choreography/staging for ballets
• Director of Dance or other equivalent administrative experience

Description of Responsibilities

• Instruction of ballet technique, as well as other forms and styles
• Instruction of Dance History
• Instruction of Dance Appreciation
• Participation in division recruitment
• Support the administrative needs of the Dance Minor, including the mentoring of adjunct dance faculty

Please be sure to include a cover letter, curriculum vitae and three references. The position is open until filled

Wilkes University is constantly seeking to become a more diverse community and to enhance its capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. The University strongly encourages applications from persons with diverse backgrounds. Wilkes University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

Employment at Wilkes is contingent upon the results of a thorough background screening.